Scottish case not been made: businesses

More than 130 business people from different sectors have signed an open letter arguing that the business case for Scottish independence “has not been made”.

The letter, organised by Keith Cochrane, chief executive of Weir Group and signed by figures included Ian Marchant, former chief executive of the utility SSE and Andrew Mackenzie, chief executive of miner BHP Billiton, is the biggest business intervention made so far on the crucial debate.

“Much is at stake. Our economic ties inside the United Kingdom are very close and support almost one million Scottish jobs.

The rest of the UK is Scotland’s biggest market by far. As job creators, we have looked carefully at the arguments made by both sides of the debate. Our conclusion is that the business case for independence has not been made, the letter said.

“Uncertainty surrounds a number of vital issues including currency, regulation, tax, pensions, EU membership and support for our exports around the world; and uncertainty is bad for business.

Today Scotland’s economy is growing. We are attracting record investment and the employment rate is high.

We should be proud that Scotland is a great place to build businesses and create jobs – success that has been achieved as an integral part of the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom gives business the strong platform we must have to invest in industry. By all continuing to work together, we can keep Scotland flourishing,” the letter added.

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